Release Date: February 7, 2022
WASHINGTON – On February 7, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in partnership with the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, launched two new resources to support our nation’s noncitizen service members, veterans, and their families. Through its Immigrant Military Members and Veterans Initiative (IMMVI), DHS will host a one-stop online center to consolidate relevant federal resources. As part of the resource center, DHS has also created a portal for veterans who need assistance in applying to return to the United States or accessing VA benefits to which they may be entitled.
“These new resources are just the first step to help support noncitizen service members and their families who have made tremendous sacrifices for our country,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “We are committed to identifying previously removed veterans to ensure they are able to obtain VA benefits, access COVID-19 vaccines, and return to the United States as appropriate.”
“Veterans qualify for VA benefits based on their service to our country and never on their immigration status,” said Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough. “We are proud to work with our partners at DHS and DoD to honor the service of immigrant and noncitizen Veterans by ensuring that they have access to information about the care and services available to them.”
The new one-stop resource center will consolidate resources and forms from DHS, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department of Defense (DoD), and other agencies so noncitizen service members, veterans, and their families are able to easily find any needed forms and resources.
The new portal on the DHS website will provide previously removed veterans a simple and fast way to get in touch with the Department for assistance with any questions or issues they may have as they seek assistance in returning to the United States or accessing their VA benefits.
To date, the initiative has helped dozens of veterans access the U.S. immigration system and their VA benefits, and several individuals have been able to return to the U.S. DHS offices and agencies continue to actively review policies for individuals with military association to determine how to best meet the commitments made in this initiative.